Weak judicial system encouraging corruption: CBI chief

August 26, 2009 15:37 IST

Advocating the need for speeding up inquiries against officials with "doubtful integrity", Central Bureau of Investigation Director Ashwani Kumar on Wednesday blamed the "weak" criminal justice system for encouraging corrupt practices.

"The weak criminal justice system of our country encourages corruption. Departmental trials of corruption cases go on for years and these delays encourage the dishonest to indulge in corrupt practices with impunity," he said speaking at the 17th Biennial Conference of the CBI and state anti-corruption bureaux.

"The need of the hour is to complete the departmental inquiries against officers of doubtful integrity within three to six months," he said.

The CBI chief said court cases against corrupt officials should be completed "within three years".

"We in the CBI and state anti-corruption bureaux feel it is possible, provided the government, and the judiciary, and Parliament are determined and work in possible coordination," he said.

ACB chiefs and vigilance agencies from the states and the union territories, besides senior CBI officers are participating in the conference to discuss the various dimensions of corruption in India and effective strategies to tackle it.